‘Synergy not competition’ – Foreign Secretary plugs regional energy cooperation

Guyana, with its abundant natural resources, could meet some of the energy needs in the Caribbean and the wider globe but doing so calls for a greater level of regional cooperation, according to Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaid.

During a panel discussion focusing on regional collaboration at the ongoing International Energy Conference and Expo, Persaud backed ongoing efforts to deepen regional collaboration, particularly in the energy sector.

According to him, the world’s energy needs are evolving and Caribbean countries, like Guyana and Suriname, can provide the solutions required. But partnerships are crucial.

“We see Guyana as, more or less, a very strong point in developing and deepening that collaboration, not only for ourselves but beyond,” he said.

But the onus, Persaud said, should not fall squarely on the nascent oil producer that is receiving global attention for its prolific oil resources and attempts to harness hydro and solar power. Persaud believes all Caribbean countries should examine their resources and capabilities and pool those for the region’s upliftment.

“We need to identify the strengths that we each possess, (understand) how it is that we can have a synergistic relationship rather than a competitive relationship, and merge that strength and be a competitive force globally,” Persaud said simply.

He later added, “…we possess many of the strong points that the region can use to propel what we have far beyond our border.”

And he doesn’t believe doing so is a tall task.

In fact, he said some of the much-needed partnerships are already unfolding. Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), he said, inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation across several areas.

Wider, he spoke of “bustling” of high-level engagements among members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and northern Brazil.

Similar sentiments were echoed by the Trinidad and Tobago Energy Minister, Stuart Young.

In the apparent spirit of collaboration, Young talked up his country’s industrial prowess and reminded the gathering that Trinidadian facilities for refining oil and other petroleum products.

Guyana’s Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, at the sidelines of the conference, said Guyana was not too keen on using their refinery.

He, however, believes that Guyana’s government will explore partnerships for the development of gas resources.